Principles and Practice of Research

emerging on the surgical scene to challenge or­ For some readers, the title of this book will im­ thodoxy. Although these innovations are often mediately raise the question, what exactly is greeted with great optimism, a factual basis for meant by surgical research? In the very broadest that enthusiasm is sometimes far from secure sense the term can be taken to include all en­ and much further work is frequently required to deavors, however elementary or limited in discover whether we are dealing with genuine scope, to advance surgical knowledge. Ideally, advances or not. it refers to well-organized attempts to establish The most exciting and attractive scenario for on a proper scientific basis, i. e. , to place beyond surgical research is unquestionably one that de­ reasonable doubt, the truth or otherwise of any picts a successful attempt by a researcher to es­ concepts, old or new, within the ambit of sur­ gery, and, of course, anaesthesia. tablish the accuracy of some bold innovation for which he himself is responsible. Joseph Lister, The methods used to achieve that end vary demonstrating by clinical trial that wound sup­ enormously, depending on the issue being in­ vestigated.